The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (Jaea) has committed an innovative project to develop a small project Core battery That converts the decay heat from Amicium-A radioactive waste-row Electricity.
The battery is specially designed for use as a power source in Spacecraft That works in places where Solar energy Generation is not possible. These locations include Asteroidremote Planet far from the sun and that dark side of the moon.
A collaboration with Jaxa and Aist
Accordingly Japan TimesThe project is led in cooperation with that of Jaea Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa). The Jaea aims to complete A prototype of the new battery system in early 2029. This ambitious project is also supported by the government National Institute for Progressive Industrial Science and Technology (Aist). It is expected that the cooperation between these organizations drives the development of this special power source for space research.
The role of Americium
America, A Radioactive elementis produced when plutonium output Nuclear fuel Of course, disintegrates. In contrast to Plutonium, which has been used in the United States in the United States since the 1960s, Americium produces less crashed warmth.
However, it has certain advantages, especially when it comes to legal restrictions in Japan. Plutonium is subject to strict legal restrictions on his handling and transport, which is why Jaea turned to Americium instead.
While the decay heat from Americium is lower, it is still sufficient for use in Long -term missions. Accordingly Masahide TabanoA senior researcher at the JAEA NXR development center, Americium batteries, could, if they achieve practical use, provide almost permanent performance for spatial probes.
This would enable the power of Communication devices And Sensors In the case of room probes, a critical requirement of missions to removed sky bodies.
Secure the Americans for the battery
The JAEA has already developed a method to secure sufficient amounts of Americium by separating the element Uranium plutonium Mixed oxide (mox) fuel that the agency has in its possession. This fuel is used in Nuclear research And is an important resource for the Americium extraction process.
In order to safely handle America, the Jaea has developed a technology to bake them in pellets that are mixed with additives and lock them up Metal pencils. This process ensures that the Americium remains, even if there is an explosion even when the start of a space probe, which is a critical security measure during the rocket start.
Demonstration of technology
The Jaea has already successfully demonstrated the potential of Americium by using it into power Light -emitting diode (LED) lights. The agency generates Electricity Use of Americium's decay heat and a semi -studda -based technology. This experiment marks a considerable step forward to prove that America can actually be used for reliable, long -lasting electricity generation.
Development time bar and future prospects
The Jaea is working hard to complete them Prototype battery System until 2029. The new battery will be compact And lightso that it is suitable for use Spacecraft. The goal is that the battery is the extreme room conditions, including the vacuum of the room and the intensive temperatures, which depending on the proximity to the proximity of the Sun.
The collaboration between Jaea, Jaxa and Ail Power source will be both durable and efficient and will pave the way for extended space exploration missions in regions in which solar energy is not a practical option.